Spotlight on promotion

At MainStreet we rely on our volunteers and supporters to be advocates and to help revitalization efforts in our downtown. The goal of the promotion committee is to create retail promotions, special events and a positive image of the business district that brings people back downtown to shop, enjoy recreational activities and socialize. Promotions communicate community pride and investing in the downtown.

If you are interested in getting involved please call the MainStreet office. To hear more about downtown happenings, visit downtownbatavia.com and sign up for our E News, like us on Facebook or follow us on twitter.

MainStreet house Walk wins award

Thanks to a very hard working group of volunteers, the House Walk was awarded the 2011 Illinois Main Street Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization in the Organization Committee category! Congratulations to House Walk Chair, Jan Gibson, and her phenomenal committee, for producing and implementing the award winning House Walk!

Save the Date!

Prom-O-Rama

Local downtown businesses in partnership with Batavia MainStreet are preparing for the 2012 Prom-O-Rama event to take place Sun., Feb. 12 from 2–4pm in Shannon Hall at Eastside Community Center. Although Prom-O-Rama is a prom fashion show and expo created to showcase a one stop shop for all your needs for prom, the main objective of the event is to raise awareness and funds for Suicide Prevention Services of America. Last year alone Prom-O-Rama raised over $1000 while also educating teens and their families on where they could go for any prevention and postvention needs.

Batavia Arts Mixer

Join the Batavia Arts Council for their monthly Batavia Arts Mixer. Meet fellow artists and supporters of the arts on the third Thursday of each month from 5–7pm. The venue varies, so for more information please go the Batavia Arts Council website at bataviaartscouncil.org.

Awesome Art Afternoons

Visit Water Street Studios for their Awesome Art Afternoons, ongoing every Sunday from 1–3pm. Admire amazing art in the gallery, be creative and spend quality time with the ones you love. All about Art Activities include: drawing, coloring, pasting or painting…assorted art supplies available at no charge. All ages: Best for ages 3 and up accompanied by an adult at all times. Teens welcome with parent permission.

illuminate

Water Street Studios announces the first of many themed shows, “illuminate.” On Fri., Jan. 27, doors open at 6pm (5pm for members). Best of Show will be announced at 7pm. “illuminate” will explore light in all forms and conceptual interpretation. For this show Water Street Studios will open an additional space adjacent to the main gallery for work that is self-illuminating.

Books Between Bites

This monthly lunchtime book review program started in 1987, and is still going strong! Bring your own lunch, or purchase one at 10 South Coffee House to enjoy during the program. Discussions begin at 12pm.

On Thurs., Jan. 19 nationally known commentator and writer, ESPN editor Lester Munson returns for his annual visit to share his impressions of Ernie Banks: Mr. Cub and the Summer of ’69 by Phil Rogers.

On Thurs., Feb. 16, Mayor Jeff Schielke continues sharing his discoveries in literature, both new and old, which feature Batavia and Batavians. Sure to catch the interest of local readers.

Downtown: Out with the COLD and in with the DO!

  MainStreet is all about building community in “everyone’s neighborhood.” Shake off winter’s chill and DO something NEW! 
MainStreet is recruiting volunteers for each of the four committees.:

• Design: quarterly banner program, beautification, education and façade grant program.
• Economic Restructuring: focuses on business recruitment and retention and producing materials to promote business in downtown.
• Organization: fund raising, volunteer training Batavia House Walk and annual spring gala.
• Promotion: special events like Batavia Farmers’ Market, BatFest, Mistletoe Magic, Arts Walk and workshops to help businesses learn the art of promotion.

  MainStreet invites the Batavia community to join us as a Partner. Become a financial partner in YOUR downtown by investing $35 (individual membership) or $75 (family membership). Phone the office, email us or visit our Web site, downtownbatavia.com, and we’ll be happy to get you information.